Chapter five.

Ace

“What do you think of Jasmine?”

I frowned, at being completely taken off guard and glanced at him.

He was relaxed into a plush couch at a corner in my grand office as I sat at my high backed swivel chair, with legs, crossed atop my desk,  a half smoked bodied cigar settled between my fingers with half drank whiskey, floating in their tumblers, before each of us.

It was one of those days, where pops had decided to drop by my office and talk some business. He was still a major shareholder in the business hence he still held a say in the business but any talk of Jasmine was definitely unseen.

The ticking of the Grand father clock sliced through the silence as I took a long drag of my cigar and puffed it out.

“what do you mean?” I flicked a bored gaze his way.

He pulled off his hat and leaned forward in his seat, with a serious look etched across his face, “I suggest her for the modelling of our next neck piece.”

I said no word in reply as I rolled the fat cigar between my fingers, and glanced out at the landscape visible from the glass walls of my office.

“And what makes you think I should listen to you?” 

He shook his head, reclining to place his right ankle over his left lap.

“We need to look at it from a business perspective. She is famous and trending, she has influence and she can stir the crowd. That's the kind of person we should be incorprating for this deal. Put her fame and our fame together and it's a blast, you know it.”

I pushed forward in my seat, giving him a quizzical look.

Bullshit!

That's what he was saying.

We were the leading brand, it didn't fucking matter whom we used to advertise our brand, we would still win.

Part of me knew this was coming from his adoration for her.

Jasmine may be important to him, but it doesn't mean I'll hand away my biggest achievement yet to just anyone he adores.

 Lowering my cigar to the ashtray, 

“There are many fishes in the ocean.” Short and blunt was the reply. 

I stood up to adjust my jacket just as he continued.

“But Jasmine is the hype now. She's good….”

I hissed annoyedly and rolled my eyes heavenward.

“When I decide who I'll endorse, I think I'll let you know.” I rolled my neck to loosen the kink.

He watched me cautiously, “Don't slack up on this.”

“You won't regret..” he added drawing his wine tumbler to his lips.

Ignoring his last comment, I hit up my assistant to get the car ready just as as I proceeded to the tall mirror at the corner, and stopped in front of it to fix my tie.

I had somewhere else to be right now.

For a mini second, I made a mistake of glancing at him through the mirror, and found him shaking his head whilst tapping his hand on the chair with a  frown marred across his features.

He looked like he was itching to say something.

“Spill it…” I stated as I reached for my watch on the shelf.

I heard him sigh.

“You are getting married soon. Are you sure you are ready for it? Noah seems eager to tie you down with his daughter, so soon.”

I scoffed unbelievably. I couldn't believe what he just said.

“You are one to talk. You clearly gave him your word about the marriage.” I cocked my head in question.

He stood up, and took a step my way, shaking his head. “I had no choice son. Noah is a figure of power. We are two respectful families involved. It was a matter of maintaining our image by respectfully taking his daughter's hand in marriage.” He concluded tucking his hands into his pockets and squaring his shoulders.

“Well it's done now…” 

“Does she know about the woman you carry a torch for? Ehh?” I could sense how carefully he placed his words.

“Veronica knows I don't love her.”I let out a clenched jaw as I felt a muscle twitching.

I've never been comfortable discussing the woman who holds my heart, with him.

He nodded as he waved his ringed finger around, “The news is around, the wedding will be big but I gotta tell you son, be careful of the women of these city, they could rip you apart.”

I tucked my suit in order as I raised a brow at him.

I know what triggered that statement.

He had taking a certain dislike to girls of this city,since my mum….

Now he thought all women were same.

I shook my head at him.

Veronica may be a pain in the ass sometimes, but that was all she was to it. She was a good friend by the ways, before we became fuck buddies.

The girl was a star in bed.

I was getting married to her, the only prize for me might be great sex.

And now, I pulled up to her mansion,the house her father had gifted her.

A spoiled daddy’s brat. That was what she was.

Tonight, we had a party to attend as a couple. A dinner at the White House with her father and his executives.

Ever since the news of our marriage got out, people have been throwing invitations to us here and there.

It made me fucking sick.                                I hated unnecessary conversations and ‘congratulations on your wedding’ was one of them.

As I exited my car, I hit her up with a message, telling her I was here.

I hope she was ready.

I got in there, to hear her familiar carefree laughter, and when I walked further in, to the main living room. I froze in shock.

There she was getting herself half drunk.

No scratch that, she was sprawled on her high dinning table while her friend played body shots with her.

I stalked towards her and grabbed her up by the arm. It was harsh, I don't care, and she was a bit startled, till she took in my firm and her confused expression, transformed into a seductive smile.

“Hey babe..” she purred, leaning in to kiss my cheek.

I smelt the alcohol on her breath and my anger heightened.

I had only two fucking rules for this young woman. Just two rules and she was already playing with the most important.

No alcohol.

She was pregnant for goodness sake.

I was so damn pissed, I pulled her face back to mine with my hand on her hair.

“Did you take alcohol?” I searched her sea blue eyes for answers.

“Not much…..”

I sucked in a sharp breath, “Veronica, what did I tell you? You broke a rule, why the fuck would you do that? I swear if anything happens to my baby….”

She rolled her eyes and stepped away, “relax….” She huffed. “I didn't take any, Tessa was just playing with me.” 

My gaze cut to stupid Tessa. She wiggled her fingers in greeting at me with a sick sweet smile.

I glanced at Veronica once more, and eyed the stairs.

“Get changed….we'll leave soon.”

“Sure babe.” She pressed her lips on my cheek and sashayed away.

Her stupid friend, smirked at me, once Veronica was in.

I know what the fuck was going on in that stupid head of hers, and her next move only confirmed my suspicion.

She grasped my shirt, making me stare down at her, she has no idea how completely boring I found her.

She licked her lips and she thought it was seductive but it did nothing to me.

She was another one of those women.

“Come on Ace, let me make you feel good. I promise Veronica doesn't need to know…” Her hands found their way into my shirt as her eyes watched me.

She purred more nonsense close to my ear about how she craved me and it made my jaw clench.

 Seizing her hand on my skin.                             “Get out.” I snarled at her, in disgust, as I shook her away from my body.

Her touch repulsed me.

She glared at me as I called security to escort her out.

I fucking hated fake friends, and right now, she looked like the king of them all. I called my security to escort her out and they did so, why she kept on throwing words here and there about how how much she's the more better choice than Veronica…..

After minutes on my phone, Veronica made her appearancein a black skimpy dress with a plunging neckline and all that diamond accessories.

She approached me elegantly and offered a mischievous smile, “let's go…” 

“You look beautiful..” I said and took her arm.    She smiled a thank you to me.

We settled into the backseat of my rolls Royce as I ordered my driver to move.

It was a comfortable silent ride to the venue.

Midway event, she pulled out her red lipstick from her clutch and leaned forward to her mirror to reapply it and jeez, her boobs looked like they were ready to pop out any moment.

I tried to keep my eyes off them, using my phone as distraction but she knew. She damn as well knew what she was doing.

It's hard to avoid her tempting moves.

She brought her hand closer and started massaging my thighs.

“Veronica..” a warning that lingered as a wasted breath because she still went on anyways.

She inched closer and our eyes met for a heated moment.                                                “You haven't touched me in weeks.”

Her eyes were ridden with lust and want, and I don't think my eyes were telling her off.

She straddled me, and rubbed herself over me, as she flipped her hair out her face. Her eyes darkened as she kissed me.

I was hard.                                                I responded greedily, griping her hair harshly and taking the kiss deeper.

The kiss was nothing to me. It was harsh, it was primal, it was lustful, not affectionate.

I don't love Veronica…. 

I loved Layde….                                                      Her face appeared in my vision, her tear filed eyes that were begging me, begging me not to make the biggest mistake of my life then…

“I didn't do it…”  her brittle voice pleaded.  Her last words echoed in my mind.

Suddenly, I jerked Veronica away from me.

She frowned as she tried to catch her breath, “what is wrong?” She licked her swollen lips.

“We can't do this….”  I ran a frustrated hand down my face. 

It felt like betrayal on my part.

This was exactly why I couldn't move on to another woman, since her….

“Why? “ She asked, breathless.

I gave her no response as I just helped her out of my laps.

She grabbed my jaw fiercely, as she spoke again, “why Ace? We are getting married soon….or is this about her?” I saw the fury swarming in her eyes.

I pulled her hand away from my jaw, “I don't owe you any explanation, don't ever think you can force words out of me.”

I cast my gaze out the window for a moment, and found out that we had reached our destination.

“Now come on.”

I heard her huff loudly, as I got out of the car to be the perfect gentleman and open her car door for her to step out too.

She already got out and slammed the door forcefully, completely ignoring me.

We were at the White House already. 

She made her way up the stoop of the front stairs completely ignoring me calling her name.

We held it up at the reception where they requested for our invitation to the formal event going on, in the grand hall.

I handed it to them with Veronica, still sulking beside me.

The minute they let us in, she stormed off again, still attempting to ignore me.

I took long strides to meet up with her, and ended up slamming her into the nearby walk, completely catching her off guard. 

“ Let me go….” She was breathing hard, struggling against my firm grip on her hand, but it was of no use.

“I've had enough of your baby shit. What the fuck do you want from me woman?” 

She stopped struggling and her eyes softened.

“Your love….” she pleaded.                               “Can't you feel how much I crave it? How much I'm trying to make you forget?”                          “Tell me Ace…”

I stared into her eyes.

All I could see was the woman I cared for, one I would do anything for, to protect her and my baby growing in her, I liked her. She was the closest person I had, to a female friend but heck, she knew, we both knew she was asking for what I couldn't give her…..

“Ver..” I freed her of my tight grip and she shoved me away, a bit.

“I know, I know I can never be her but we can still try. You can still give me a chance….”

I stilled and just watched her. She watched me too expectantly.

“Aha, there they are…” Veronica's uncle's, Zac  voice cut through our tense conversation as he called our attention.

“The entire party has been waiting for you two….come my lovely couple.”

I glanced at Veronica. She masked it all with a perfect smile as she offered me hand, and I took it.

We walked in, with Zac. My arm around her waist to the grand hall of the party.

Noah received us, and was eager to acquaint us with every single one of his colleagues.

He showed me off like I was his best prize, making sure to list my achievements with a proud smile.

Waiters carried trays, bearing drinks around the room. 

We ended up sitting at a table filled with Noah's friends.

The older, influential men at the table, engaged us in all sorts of small talk.                            “Such a stunning couple…”                 “Congratulations on your engagement….”      “Aha, their wedding is talk of town, it will be the most talked about event of the season…”

I was not a man of many words, except when it comes to business and I was glad to engage in conversations with some of my business partners at the table. Veronica sat elegantly by my side all along, mostly giving out smiles to our compliments and giving answers to the questions asked.

Soon, she whispered her excuse in my ear and left to be somewhere else.

Just in, someone swiped into the seat near me. The one she was just in a minute ago.

I turned to see who it was.                                Dark hair combed in style, sharp Amber eyes.      Light stuble, with strong jaws.                          That stupid smirk always on his face that I still don't get why women swoon over.

I found my friend Ralph, a member of the house of Representatives and a high end lawyer, staring right back at me on the spot.

“You? What are you doing here?” I eyed him.

He stretched his hand to help him self with wine“I should be asking you same. Are you forgetting I'm running for a seat?” He glanced at me once more.

Ah! My over confident smug friend was contesting for governorship. His family was deep rooted in politics, while all his friends are allergic to politics. How could I forget his career choice?”

I playfully swiped the chips from his hand, “I didn't know you'd be here. Veronica's father forced me to this boring location”

He chuckled deeply, raising his glass in my direction. “no one ever forces you Ace. And I clearly saw you happily chatting away with some politicians earlier. ”

I sighed exasperatedly, “Securing business partners is not what you call 'hapily chatting away’. Fuck man. Shit is boring. Ditch politics, You will do well in business”. I've always told him that.

“Ah, no, politics is exactly my forte. I'm having a good time anyway, let's not forget who's a famous lawyer too.”

“Whatever helps you feed.” I almost rolled my eyes.

He let out a chuckle, sipping his wine.

I noticed how his eyes went over the rim of his glass and settled on a luscious hot brunette, across the room.

She was arm in arm with a very famous general, loudly communicating she was with the general, but Ralph has always been one to love playing with toys that were not his.

We've been friends since college.

“Your type?” I leaned closer to his ear.   “Uh….definitely….I'm gonna get her….”

“Then go for it man, you do you, while I help myself out of here.” I tapped his shoulder and stood up, to leave.

I don't know where Veronica was, but I plan on texting her to meet me up at the reception.

A man, clad in bodyguard uniform approached me.                                                                          “Mr. Ace….The Chief of staff would like to meet you…”

He led me to a closed office in another building, to where the Chief of staff awaited.            I made my way in.

High Chief Lansark Jonathan stood there, at a corner of a vast office, regarding the view from the window with his back to me.

“You wanted to see me?” I stepped in further.

“Ace…” He turned to regard me too.

A built man he was. With salt and pepper hair. His smirk was crooked with age. His firm hands and rigid posture was evidence of how well he had handled leading the citizens over the years.

He smirked, “It is good to see you son. I've always wanted a one on one with Linton's Golden boy. Come.”

He offered me a seat on the couch as he settled on one opposite me.

A servant brought a tray of wine and settled it on the coffee table between us and poured wine for us.

Chief Jonathan leaned forward,                           “I am truly marvelled at how great you have become, the massive influence you've achieved, the empire you have built from scratch. Tell me boy how do you do it?”

I placed one leg over the other. I know people like him. “You see Chief Jonathan, I really like your enthusiasm, but you know I am not a man to beat around the bush, so tell me why you sumoned me.” I gave him a straight look.

He chuckled darkly, “Ah, you, my boy , are very smart.” He signaled for a guard at the corner to come closer, whispered instructions into his ear, and soon the guard was out and returned with two other guards bearing huge money suitcases.

They laid it bare and snapped them open on the table before me and my eyes fell into the bundles of cash sitting in them.

Chief Lansark leaned forward.                        “How does it feel to be in possession of the most prized and wanted item in the world? Five billion dollars for the Blaine diamond. Let me relieve you of its stress.” He uttered maliciously.

I knew it.                                                                  He wanted something.                                           But the man was asking for something he could never get.                                                                Yes, the Blaine diamond was prized, wanted and never going nowhere.

It was my family's heritage.

I rolled my neck to loosen the kink, and uncrossed my legs as I leaned forward towards him.

He kept blabbering.

“I saw the news of the break-ins. I know the bad people want it. So let me help you out with it son. Such jeweled piece should not just be sitting around, waiting for grabs. Sell it to me. A clean deal you will never regret.”

I chuckled darkly.                                              The way he boldly talked nonsense.

I lifted my head to stare at him once more, rubbing my palms together.                                    “I see you have no more use for money, Chief Lansark?” 

He sat at the edge of his seat.

“I will do anything to get the diamond son, but I'll never go behind your and your father's back to try to steal it. Call any amount more, I'll give it to you if you'll sell it to me.” His voice was eager.

I reached out and lifted a dollar bundle and watched it with fascination.

“But don't you know that you are making an impossible request?” I tilted my head in question.

My eyes visibly darkened.

“I know it is not up for sale. But it's been fifty years son. Chanel has never agreed to give it to me, no matter how close we were. You are in charge now. At least you can lift the rule. I've read so much about the enchanting piece, at least let me have one glance at it and marvel at its ethereal glory.”

“No one can see the Blaine diamond.” I was overprotective when it came to it.

“Take back your money, Chief Lansark.” I snarled.

“No son.” He was relentless. “This is your chance to lift the rule…”

“I don't do Blaine talks and I certainly don't need your money” I glared at him.                              I was on the verge on lighting him on fire.

“Think about it son..”

I watched him for a moment, then I broke into a bitter laugh. I laughed and laughed and bowed my head. Then I reached into the inside pocket of my jacket, and drew out my lighter.

I fixed my stare on him once more.

“You are a really stubborn man, Chief. Let me make you understand.” I replied crazily.

It wasn't until I grabbed the dollar bundle and set the tip on fire with my lighter that he understood.

I glanced at him once more. He was watching me crazily.                                                            “Ace, what are you doing?”

I ignored his protests and let the whole money bundle burn.

I tossed it to the floor along and fixed my stare on him once more.

“Do I need to help you more? I could order a fucking incinerator for the job..” 

“Enough.” He held up a hand clearly pissed.

The entire room smelt like burnt paper now and smoke made him cough.

“Have a nice day, Chief Lansark.” I gave him an amused smile, got up, adjusted my suit and stalked out of there.

I stood outside his door as reality settled in.

The Blaine diamond was no longer safe.

I clenched my jaw and formed a fist with my hand.                                                              The nerve of Chief Lansark.

Everyone wanted it.                                      It needed a distraction, I needed a distraction.

Something that would shift the focus from it.

Like the upcoming next piece, a small voice at the back of my head uttered.

It was then,I knew I had no more time anymore. I suddenly knew what I needed to do right away.

It could only mean one thing.

I was going to listen to my father, but I had no choice.

I rang up my assistant.

He picked up immediately.                                 “Yes boss?”

“Father submitted his suggestion for the endorsement."

I breathed out. 

"I have approved. Contact Jasmine's management with the contract and its detaiIs."

I guess I had no choice anyways.

I hope I wasn't making a mistake.

“She's our next ambassador for the upcoming next piece.”